Phoenix Goes To School

Discussion QuestionsAdults: What events occurred behind the scenes of the story that may have led to Phoenix having a positive outcome? How do we know if something is for a girl or for a boy? How do we know something is true in our hearts? Have you ever experienced a fear of making yourself vulnerable in some way, and then later have that result in an opportunity to grow closer to others? In what other ways could the Mother in the story have reacted to Phoenix? How do you think that would have effected Phoenix’s first day of school? Have you ever been asked to do something, but felt inside like “this isn’t me”? Phoenix says she sometimes feels like both a boy and a girl. How does this fit with our traditional gender roles of either being a boy or being a girl? Who are you? What makes you you? How do you know?Kids: Out of everyone in the story, who knows Phoenix the best? How are the different ways the ways that we express ourselves like a rainbow? What do you think Phoenix meant by her rhythm? Phoenix likes flowers and dresses. What are some things that you like? Can you think of a time when you felt something in your heart and known it to be true? Were you afraid when you went to your first day of school? Why/Why not? How do you think Phoenix would have felt if the kids had laughed at her and teased her? Do you think Phoenix had a good first day of school? Why/Why not? How do you think it made Phoenix feel that her Mommy, teacher and friend all were nice to her about her dress? Do you think Phoenix is brave? Do you remember a time when you were brave?